USOC: New CEO Blackmun Will Be “Fantastic” for Paralmypics

The U.S. Olympic Committee chose Scott Blackmun as the new Chief Executive Officer of the USOC. Blackmun, a former interim CEO at the USOC and chief operating officer for sports-and-entertainment behemoth AEG Worldwide, was tabbed Tuesday to take control of the organization at the end of the month.

USOC Chairman Larry Probst had this to say about the selection:

“We are pleased to introduce Scott as our new CEO and to welcome him back to the USOC. With a deep understanding of the Olympic Movement, established relationships in the Olympic Family and a strong commitment to the community of Colorado Springs, we know he will move seamlessly into the role and be ready to represent the USOC as we head into the Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.”

The hiring of Blackmun, age 52, coincides with the organization moving into its new headquarters in downtown Colorado Springs.

“When we were looking for our new CEO, we wanted to ensure that we selected a new leader who would be part of the USOC for years to come, and in Scott we believe we have found that person,” Probst says. “He has the unanimous support of the USOC Board as well as our independent search committee, and we look forward to Scott leading our organization at an important time of change for the USOC,” he adds.

Blackmun, a resident of Colorado Springs, Colo., joins the USOC from the 200-plus lawyer firm of Holme Roberts & Owen LLP, where he was a partner and a member of the firm’s Executive Committee. From 2002-06, he was Chief Operating Officer of Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) in Los Angeles, overseeing operations for the sports and events company.

“I am thrilled to be returning to the USOC and to be a part of an organization and Movement I am so passionate about,” Blackmun says. “This is an exciting time for the USOC, with the Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games a few weeks away, and a move to the new headquarters building this spring. I am looking forward to getting to know and work alongside a talented staff. And, I am ready to make a long-term commitment to the success of this organization and America’s athletes, and to supporting the growth of the Olympic Movement worldwide.”

Blackmun graduated summa cum laude from Dartmouth College in 1979 with a degree in philosophy, and received his J.D. from Stanford Law School in 1982. He and his wife, Ann, have three children. He will take over as CEO on January 26, 2010, from Acting CEO Stephanie Streeter. Streeter had served in the position since last March, however did not seek to become the permanent CEO of the USOC.

“I am very optimistic that the selection of Scott, who is well respected by many within the Olympic Movement, will bring a true level of collaboration between the USOC and its core constituents,” said Skip Gilbert, Executive Director of USA Triathlon. “I’m sure I can speak for my NGB colleagues in wishing Scott all the best in his new role and we look forward to working with him.” Added Steve Penny, President of USA Gymnastics: “Scott will be a fantastic CEO for the USOC.”

Blackmun will be based in Colorado Springs, and he will hold overall accountability, responsibility and authority for the management of the business and affairs of the USOC. He will also serve as the primary spokesperson and representative of the USOC, building productive relationships within the domestic and global Olympic and Paralympic community.